Return to Action

After having last weekend off due to the schedule change, the Wizards return to MLS play tomorrow out in LA against Chivas USA. With the way that MLS results have gone since the Wizards last played the Wizards still have a chance to get their way into the playoffs. But to do that, they need to take points from the games they have in hand on other teams around them. KC can start this Sunday against Chivas USA. Chivas is one of those teams that's sitting around the same spot in the table as the Wizards, so this is almost the equivalent of a 6 pointer for KC. Chivas comes into the game on a high after defeating New England last weekend 2-0. Their forward line of Alan Gordon and Justin Braun has been a boost for their team.

The Wizards come into the game healthy from their week off, only reserve Jamar Beasley and Zoltan Hercegfalvi. KC is going to try to continue their current good run of form even with the week off. Usually weeks off are the one thing team's that are in form don't want as it messes with the routine and the groove teams can get into. With Kei Kamara back from national team duty and Teal Bunbury back from his suspension, KC has the chance to go back to the lineup that they started their current good run with, or they can continue to use a version of the lineup they have been using, keeping Birahim Diop in the game. I hope we make a return to the early lineup, but we'll see.

Nielsen
Harrington - Conrad - Thomas - Espinoza
Arnaud - Auvray - Rocastle
Kamara - Bunbury - Smith

Key Match Up - Jimmy Conrad vs Justin Braun - Braun scored both goals in Chivas' 2-0 win over KC earlier this season and has been having a career year for the Goats. Conrad shutting down Braun will go a long way to helping the Wizards continue their good form.

PREDICTION - To make the playoffs, the Wizards still need to win the rest of their home games, and get at least 1 win on the road. Looking at the remaining schedule, this is certainly one of those games that the Wizards can look at as a game they can get 3 points on the road. That is if their current form hasn't cooled any with the week off. A win and the Wizards pull themselves closer to Seattle, who will still have played 2 more games than the Wizards. I want to think we'll grab all 3, but at this time I only think we'll get 1.

KC - 1 (Kamara)
CUSA - 1 (Braun)